Arranging access to Council properties for essential repairs and inspection

Published: 22 December 2021

As a responsible landlord the Council has a process in place to carry out essential inspections, services and works to its homes.

Council tenants now receive a standard letter with a pre-booked appointment and are contacted to arrange a suitable time to visit.

The first two letters will offer an appointment for a visit. If the appointment is not convenient tenants should contact the Council to rearrange it.

The appointment can then be rebooked within a two-week period. If the Council does not hear back the assumption is that the pre-booked appointment is at a convenient time.

It is important that appointments are kept. The services, works and inspections being carried out will help the Council ensure homes are kept in a good, comfortable and most importantly safe condition.

The Council is legally bound to keep tenants’ homes in a decent condition, comfortable and safe to use. The tenancy agreement means tenants are legally bound to allow contractors access to the property.

Failing to allow access will be a breach of the tenancy agreement.

If it has not been possible to access a property a third letter will be sent with an appointment. This appointment can be rearranged within a seven day period. 

The vast majority of tenants understand the importance of visits and allow access to their homes. However, where difficulties do occur, the Council may need to follow legal action to gain access to carry out legal duties and keep the home in a safe, comfortable and decent condition. 

The cost of missed appointments, denied access and legal action costs the Council more than £33,000 each year, money which could be spent on improving the standard of homes.